To claim your Lancaster car donation on this year’s taxes, the IRS goes by the date your vehicle is actually picked up — not when you call, and not when you fill out the form. That means your car must be physically towed or driven away on or before December 31 to count for this tax year. Because year-end fills quickly, we strongly recommend scheduling your free pickup 3–5 business days before December 31. Heritage for the Blind dispatches Monday through Saturday throughout the holiday season, and Lancaster Motor Gifts will help you secure the earliest available slot.
Lancaster Motor Gifts proudly serves donors across Lancaster County — from downtown Lancaster City and Manheim Township to Ephrata, Lititz, Millersville, Mount Joy, Elizabethtown, and beyond. We accept cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans in almost any condition, including non-running vehicles at no cost to you. Your donated vehicle benefits Heritage for the Blind, a registered 501(c)(3) that supports people who are blind or visually impaired. You’ll receive the written acknowledgment you need for your taxes after the vehicle sells, but your deduction year is locked in as long as we pick up your car by December 31. Start now and get your Lancaster County car donation done in just a few minutes.
Your year-end donation timeline
Start the 2-minute form or call Lancaster Motor Gifts
2 minutesShare your contact info, vehicle location in Lancaster County, and basic details about your car. It takes about two minutes. Tell us you need pickup by December 31 so we prioritize a year-end tax-deduction slot for you.
Choose your pickup day and confirm year-end timing
5 minutesA scheduling specialist from Heritage for the Blind will contact you, usually within one business day, to offer pickup windows. Ask for a date at least 3–5 business days before December 31 to be sure your vehicle is towed in time.
Prepare your title and clear access to the vehicle
10–15 minutesBefore pickup day, locate your Pennsylvania title and remove personal items from the car. Make sure the tow truck can reach it easily in your Lancaster-area driveway, garage, or parking spot. No inspection or repairs are required.
Vehicle picked up anywhere in Lancaster County
Pickup dayThe tow driver arrives, confirms the title, and completes the pickup at your Lancaster address. This pickup date is your official IRS donation date and must be on or before December 31 to claim this tax year’s deduction.
Receive your tax acknowledgment and 1098-C (if applicable)
Within weeks after saleAfter your vehicle is sold, Heritage for the Blind mails you a written acknowledgment, and for vehicles over $500, IRS Form 1098-C. Even if the letter arrives later, your deduction year is based on the pickup date, not the mail date.
Year-end tax deduction facts
Dec 31 pickup = this year’s deduction
For IRS purposes, the contribution date is the day your car is picked up, not when you schedule it. If it’s towed on or before December 31, it counts for this tax year’s return.
Form 1098-C for vehicles over $500
When your donated vehicle sells for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind will send you IRS Form 1098-C. This form shows the sale price and supports your itemized charitable deduction.
Deduction usually equals the sale price
In many cases, the IRS limits your vehicle deduction to the actual sale price listed on your 1098-C, not the Kelley Blue Book value. Keep that form with your tax records when you file Schedule A.
You must itemize on Schedule A
To use a car-donation tax deduction, you generally need to itemize deductions on Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction. Ask a tax professional which option is better for your situation.
Written acknowledgment is mailed after sale
Your receipt and, if applicable, Form 1098-C are mailed after the charity sells your car. The deduction year is locked in by the pickup date, even if the paperwork arrives in the new year.